Master class

From Goat to Garment, From Sheep to Sweater

Fast fashion, unfair working conditions, an environmentally unfriendly production chain,… There are so many reasons why it is time for the fashion industry to focus on making the production process more sustainable and more transparent. It can and must be done differently!

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, which is more than all international flights & shipping combined. It is also responsible for 20% of industrial water pollution and is the second largest consumer of water in the world. To fuel our fashion addiction, 70 million tons of oil is used to produce polyester per year.

Farm and knitting studio, The Knitwit Stable is the only initiative in the Netherlands that visualizes the entire production chain: from keeping the animals, processing Dutch wool into yarns to the production of a locally and fairly made woolen end product.

In this way we enable transparency in every link.

Enthusiastic about this masterclass or do you have any questions? We offer the masterclass for both professionals and individuals.

"I only now understand what I did in theory class at school last year"

– student Amsterdam Fashion Institute

"Despite the great knowledge of knitting that is present within our organization, this day was very instructive and enriching. An inspiring environment by real professionals"

– Marielle de Groot, production director of Fully Fashion

Masterclass for private individuals

A new sweater is often bought quickly. But what world is hidden behind your woolen sweater? On our farm with knitting studio, we will introduce you to the making process of your woolen sweater during the Masterclass 'The world behind a sweater'. This gives you insight into the wool chain, the craft and all facets involved in producing a sweater. You will meet our merino sheep, Texel sheep and angora goats. You will learn about animal welfare, shearing the coats, the different qualities of wool and the properties and applications of wool. We also show how yarn is made and demonstrate how to make a sweater. We will also show our documentary “From goat to garment”.
After this masterclass you will know all the ins and outs about the fashion industry, the wool industry and how a sweater is made. And especially what you can pay attention to when purchasing a sweater.

In addition to the above, you will also get to work yourself in the afternoon. You will receive explanations and instructions on how to knit a hat on a Brother hand knitting machine. This part takes up to four hours. You will go home with a self-knitted hat made from Dutch yarn.

For whom: Private individuals (experience is not required)

Duration: This masterclass is from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a walk-in at 9:30 AM with coffee/tea with a snack and lunch is included.

Costs: The costs to follow this masterclass are €225,- incl. VAT per person, including lunch & a woolen hat made of Dutch wool.

Dates:

December 14, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
January 19, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

Book your masterclass here

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Workshop:

At the moment we do not have a workshop, new workshops are planned in Spring. Have a question? Don't hesitate to send an email to info@theknitwitstable.nl

Masterclass for companies

From an international fashion company to a farm with sheep and a knitting workshop in Baambrugge, this masterclass is held by Reina Ovinge, founder of The Knitwit Stable.

The Knitwit Stable provides its masterclasses on a farm & knitting studio in Baambrugge. Here the entire production process is brought together under one roof with fifty goats and sheep, two industrial knitting machines and four linking machines. During the Masterclass 'Sustainability and Transparency' you will gain insight into the entire wool supply chain, covering all sustainability topics. During this one-day Masterclass you will become wiser mainly through practice and experience. You will gain a better insight into the process, allowing you to communicate more efficiently and gain more realistic expectations with regard to sustainability, design and production. Because you are at the heart of the production, you come up with surprising new ideas about your own role in the production process. This leads to more time for creation and innovation! We also show you the documentary 'From Goat to Garment' to provide additional insight into the entire mohair supply chain.

The masterclass starts with the merino sheep and the angora goats. Important issues are addressed here, such as:

What are the important sustainability topics?

Is shaving animals unfriendly?

What pesticides are used?

Which fleeces can you use?

How much does raw wool cost?

What is the carbon footprint of wool?

How is wool spun?

How does industrial knitting and linking work?

What can you do with wool and – also important – what not?

What certifications are there?

In the afternoon you will also get to work yourself. You will receive explanations and instructions on how to knit a hat or a technical swatch on a Brother hand-knitting machine.

For whom?: Companies in the fashion industry, such as: (CSR) management, product development, design, purchasing, quality control and students.

Time: This masterclass is from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a walk-in at 9:30 AM with coffee/tea and cake, including lunch.

Costs: The costs of this masterclass are €225,- excl. VAT per person

Dates: On request (min 6 people and max 10 people). Contact us at info@theknitwitstable.nl .